Into the Dark Expands the High Republic Era - Star Wars Book Review

[@winterone3768]

"Geode was speechless" is actually my favorite line in the book.

[@painstakeranimations9253]

Ah yes. The silent boy was somehow more silent. 😂

[@alejandroolivera376]

Geode might be the funniest thing in all of Star Wars

[@econ8840]

U just made that up... you are smart :)

[@OranjMoose]

Geode is hands down one of my favorite characters

[@DramaBricks]

Still trying to read Light of the Jedi in between college classes. Love it so far!

[@Revan20999]

This was definitely my favorite of the three. Not to many characters but just enough to get invested in their back story’s and what makes them tick. Giving each character a time to really shine without feeling like it’s being rushed. Reath is probably the first Star Wars character I can completely relate to. All and all I would recommend everyone to read it and not pass on it because it says young adult.

[@FlarrowSpider]

The Sith vs the Nihil vs the Drengir vs the Mandalorians vs the Infinite empire vs the Yuuzhan vong vs Abeloth

[@ironjehoshaphat2764]

Are those all in the book?

[@FlarrowSpider]

@@ironjehoshaphat2764 The Drengir are

[@shundy00]

You forgot vs the Hutts

[@Iledomair]

The most interesting character is Cohmac. I get Dooku vibes from him. Id love to see a Jedi turned Sith set during the High Republic

[@painstakeranimations9253]

Okay. I wasn't the only one. He's definitely like a young Dooku. He doesn't agree with all of the Order's rules and protocols. And....he kinda has a point

[@ImTheReverse]

Absolutely loved Light of the Jedi. Currently reading A Test of Courage. Pre-ordered Into the Dark and it’s supposed to some later this week. I was so doubtful about this era, but it has officially hooked me. So hyped for this and the Rising Storm later this year.

[@michaelorr7608]

I went into this book thinking that "into the dark" was in reference to the spooky space station, and left it realising it's about the 4 main Jedi's struggles with not falling "into the dark(side)"

[@Werrf1]

It bugs me to see so many people trashing the book before it even came out, because of the inclusion of 'lazy' elements like Geode and the ship named "The Vessel". But I have to agree with you, Geode is an excellent addition to the canon. He's a comic relief character, certainly, but the way different characters interact with him, and the way he helped the Jedi to expand their views of life, is a big part of the great character work in the book. Also, I'm pretty sure that at least one of the main Jedi in the book are going to at least be tempted by the Dark Side, and possibly fall. I'm on edge waiting to see if it happens.

[@sailcvl3976]

I understand your point that you cant judge a book by its cover (no pun intended) and I am certain that you’re right about that. But you cant blame us for laughing about the idea of a vessel called Vessel that seats a rock (with no apparent visual differences between it and a piece of building foundation) named Geode. It sounds like satire. It sounds like fake. And yet it isnt. It’s very difficult to take that seriously on the surface. Genuine question, does the book explain why a rock knows how to navigate? Rocks dont typically move so navigation seems like the farthest skill possible from a rock.

[@nik021298]

​@@sailcvl3976 Because, it is not literally a rock. Imagine a Pyura chilensis (which is not a very well known animal) and add it sentience. Those would be the Vintian and Geode, whose ridiculousness was probably intended.

[@cooltriplets_2]

If all the High Republic haters would read the books, they’d realize it’s great! Light of the Jedi is my new favorite Star Wars book

[@painstakeranimations9253]

I agree. But let them hate. They miss out by choice. We get to enjoy these AMAZING stories, they don't.

[@TheUnnbreakable]

The author knights style and lack of interesting alien characters is keeping me from getting invested in what I’ve tried and I’m waiting on better reviews and more info on cool Wookiee characters

[@painstakeranimations9253]

@@TheUnnbreakable there is so many cool aliens. And Charles Soule makes you love EVERY character instantly. I found myself kinda getting the Nihil and they seemed human despite being a bunch of jerks.

[@Rushfelt33]

I do not have any real excitement for THR so I'm not reading it, but if it's being enjoyed by others great 👍

[@painstakeranimations9253]

@@Rushfelt33 You know what. It's appreciated and understandable. Not everything is going to land for us. Star Wars is MASSIVE and not everything is of our taste. But as long as we let others enjoy it and don't hate on it for no reason. Thats already a win. 👏

[@Major98]

This is the book Ive been most anticipating since Claudia Gray was announced as part of the High Republic writers. Bloodline and Master and Apprentice are my favorite books of the canon, really looking forward to this book.

[@aboyandhisdog2251]

I adored master and apprentice. So I am so excited for this.

[@peppyhare6434]

Ohh I'm reading Lost Stars. I'll need to pick this up next

[@obi-wan-jacobi840]

Lost Stars is amazing. And so is Master & Apprentice. She is easily my favorite Star Wars author right now.

[@Kade_Bauman]

One of my favorite pre-High Republic books

[@pek-x4y]

High Republic is so good. I don't know what I'm going to do when I finish all the the books that are out.

[@lyndsaybrown8471]

Yay! It's out! "Your pre-order is now available" are some of the sweetest words Audible could say.

[@ChrisfromLeedsinUK]

"Not available in your region" is my message on Audible :(

[@bakomusha]

Waiting for my credit to come in on the 4th!

[@ChrisfromLeedsinUK]

It's annoying that not all the high republic audiobooks are on the UK Audible store... Test of Courage and Into the Dark are missing, The Rising Storm is being released on there though.

[@andrewg4639]

I was able to get this a week early in Canada, and thought this book was infinitely better written than Light of the Jedi. Gray is a much more experienced writer than Soule and it shows. The characters are much more compelling and have much deeper development. Geode rules. More Geode. He was the best. I didn't feel like I cared about any of the characters in Soule's novel anywhere near as much if at all compared to the ones in this book. Already have the next wave pre-ordered and can't wait to continue reading the series (skipping the kid books).

[@PeterTheMightyPygmyPuff]

The earth scientist in me is so intrigued.

[@nilsf5302]

You missed the opportunity to say that Geode rocks... (I'm so sorry)

[@pedrojesantos]

It's only natural. Soule shows his expertise by handling a disaster of massive proportions and guiding us through all of it and with so many characters incredibly well, since he's a comic writer. And that shows in terms of general lenghty prose. But I still cared for the characters, however. Now, Claudia Gray is all about that connection to the characters, even more than the story itself, which was so good nonetheless. And yeah, you missed an opportunity to say that Geode rocks

[@artfact2]

Agreed! While I loved Light of the Jedi, the writing style and limited descriptions was the thing that turned me off the most. It's most prevalent in the first part where everything has to be fast and stark, gets better in the latter thirds. I love Claudia's prose and in-depth characterization so will probably get Into the Dark too.:3

[@tjt6071]

I didn't have any doubts about this book when I saw Claudia Gray's name on it, but you just made me that much more eager to pick it up

[@BrickSomething]

Started the Audible version this morning. Usually I’m into that presentation because of the music, effects, etc., but the last 4 books I’ve listened to have me hesitant to keep doing this. The narration has gotten in the way for me. Voice choices, dubious accents, and inconsistent pronunciation have started to get to me. (BTW, how IS “Nihil” pronounced...because the SW HR show and authors don’t pronounce it the same way as the Light of the Jedi narrator...but Han/Han/Tomato/Tomato, I guess.) I assume the Light of the Jedi was extra challenging for the narrator and listener, since there were just an unusual amount of different characters to have to distinguish. Anyway, back to Into the Dark, this is the first Claudia Gray book that didn’t grip me. But if track record proves true, I have faith it’s gonna get better.

[@CarbonTactics]

Charles Soule pronounces the "Nihil" as "Nile" (like the river), so I'd be more inclined to go with the intentions of the author. However, if in doubt, the marauders are definitely inspired by Nihilism, the beginning of which is also pronounced in the same way (phonetic spelling: nī-(h)ə).

[@TheMigMan3225]

Geo was my fav character he was so funny. I loved that book

[@comiccinema8177]

I’m only on chapter 2, but the most immediately striking thing to me outside of Geode is the mention of sexual intercourse. Star Wars has existed in such a heightened, semi-childish fantasy world and most media around it is targeted towards a younger audience. The moment Reath talked about how Jedi must let go of attachments and Affie responded, “So that means no sex?” I was certainly taken aback. They’re just straight up talking about sex in Star Wars lmao.

[@joemullarkey5719]

Yeah, for some reason all the YA books mention sex. It’s almost like some weird requirement.

[@odhranm1]

Man these high Republic releases have been so quick 😂... Im still reading light of the jedi 😅

[@artfact2]

Yeah, while its all wonderful I am kind of worried I won't be able to keep up both in time and money to spend on the books.

[@odhranm1]

@@artfact2 ya hahaha

[@juanacosta5211]

yea but now we wont get the next novel till July :( we get the manga in June tho which is sick

[@artfact2]

@@juanacosta5211 Oh cool, I missed that release date, good to know.:) That's a very reasonable time to me, though having to wait half a year for the continuation will be pretty hard yeah.:P

[@odhranm1]

@@juanacosta5211 oh i didn't know they were doing a manga thats cool. Ive only read dragball and DBZ and death note. I haven't read much manga tbh. But ill definitely read the star wars one.

[@randikenobi1069]

I was debating waiting the 2 days I have left until my next audible credit kicks in but this has got me too excited so I'm just going to buy the damn thing right now 🤣

[@davidholt234]

How many pages are we talking? I'm in the middle of Light of the Jedi, but would like to grab this one soon!

[@ImTheReverse]

On Wookieepedia, it says 352. So about 50 pages less than Light of the Jedi.

[@davidholt234]

@@ImTheReverse Oh okay! Thanks! So it'll take me a minute to read that one too. Absolutely love Light of the Jedi, just trying to read in between work and life 😂

[@ImTheReverse]

@@davidholt234 Yeah, it took me awhile to read Light of the Jedi and I finished so I’m kinda sad. But excited this one is almost as long!!

[@davidholt234]

@@ImTheReverse So happy to have excitement in Star Wars reading again. I've been somewhat indifferent to some of the recent books other than Ahsoka, Phasma and Princess of Alderaan. I loved those for some reason, Thrawn was good, but sorta slow for me so I had to finish as audiobook.

[@TTRPGSarvis]

Claudia Gray is my favorite Star Wars writer in the new Canon. Can we get her for a TV series or some movies?

[@StarWarsTonight]

I’m hyped for into the dark

[@fortressfiction]

Honestly I was disappointed. I have loved all of Gray's other Star Wars books, she's probably my favorite new canon author. That being said, the characters in this didn't quite grab me. I liked the foiling of Reath and Dez, but it felt a little... dry or boilerplate? I'm not sure. Nan was probably the most interesting character outright. I think the new Master-Padawan pairing set up at the end could be interesting, but I guess we will have to wait to see what comes of it.

[@painstakeranimations9253]

Did you like Geode tho?

[@fortressfiction]

@@painstakeranimations9253 I liked when he saved the day, but the overall joke of his species isn't my cup of tea.

[@bitkower]

The Wookieepedia Timeline of Canon History lists Into the Dark as taking place prior to and concurrently with Light of the Jedi. Do you suggest reading it first?

[@asomewhatdecentperson9190]

Light of the Jedi should be read first, Into the Dark follows up on a plot point that was left off in Light of the Jedi. Nothing major, but you’ll know it when you see it.

[@zbaksh101]

I have a harder time getting into YA as I got order but this book caught my interest.I read it over the weekend and liked it alot. YA is a good fit for Star Wars. I'm looking forward to Reath's further adventures. Now onto the Fallen Star.

[@mikevetter]

The sam's club I work at doesn't seem to care about release dates. I've gotten every High Republic book so far a good 3 to 5 days before they even come out.

[@danieljenkins1758]

Love Gray's work, this one should be good!

[@natewolf5971]

Thanks for the review. Starting it soon

[@obi-wankenobi5075]

Another Happy Landing!!

[@StarWarsTonight]

Swear this comes out today in America but 18th for UK

[@BarackOBrock]

yup, and we dont get the audiobook in the UK at all

[@StarWarsTonight]

@@BarackOBrock that sucks because now I have to wait ages until I can make a review on it ☹️☹️☹️

[@TheMaskedJedi999]

Out on the 18th - but Amazon areren't giving me a delivery date. (And A Test of Courage promised for 24 MARCH)

[@StarWarsTonight]

@@TheMaskedJedi999 ye I ain’t got a date either

[@StarWarsTonight]

@@TheMaskedJedi999 it’s so annoying how come we get it late?

[@GuardianKyle]

This will be my first Claudia Gray novel. Yes I know, I haven't read Bloodlines or Leia Princess of Alderann. I take my expulsion from the Jedi Order...😔

[@Ryguy0707]

Lost Stars is my favorite from her

[@AlexRider589]

Will you do a spoiler review?

[@madebymelz7702]

Into the Dark isn't on Audible?

[@garypfeiffer3489]

The guy on the cover looks almost like a brunette version of Cal

[@moviemaniacdjp]

Thought I was the only one who thought that. LOL

[@garypfeiffer3489]

@@moviemaniacdjp not anymore Darth Avarath. Not anymore

[@SecretHero914]

Does Claudia know that Vulcans don’t exist in the High Republic

[@RayOfTruth]

Do you know what a joke is? People have been making Star Wars jokes about Star Trek and vice versa since 1977. She's a fan of both Wars and Trek, even wrote Trek fanfic in college. It's called being tongue in cheek.

[@althor1247]

I am ordering it today, still need to finish light of the jedi.

[@jackclark5072]

I frickin hate the Geode haters

[@ShizuruNakatsu]

This still isn't out here. Nor is A Test of Courage. I've already pretty much heard the whole story of the latter. It's stupid that we have to wait when it's the information age. Cant avoid spoilers. Things should be released at the same time everywhere. I can't believe A Test of Courage doesn't come out here until February 18th, the same day as Into the Dark.

[@patreilly3184]

this is one of the best books ive ever read. its so good

[@double_lightsaber]

0:58 They fear nothing, because it's against Jedi code.

[@everythingdibs344]

They’re angered by nothing, because it’s against the Jedi code.

[@painstakeranimations9253]

I just finished Light of the Jedi 😭

[@devenburkhart1264]

I loved geode !!

[@lukeyxcx]

mine is being shipped! can't wait to read I! waiting on Light of the Jedi to get to my door

[@Allthesmallteas]

I love Claudia Grey. Every one of her SW books were awesome

[@waltmanasse-latham1585]

Awesome review!!! My copy said it wasn’t coming until Friday but now it looks like it might get here today, and I can’t wait to dive in!

[@rishikrangaraju7359]

Can't wait to get this book in a few hours!

[@rishikrangaraju7359]

Just got the book, can't wait to read it now!

[@TheUnnbreakable]

I mean their fall is their hubris and colonialism it’s kinda obvious by these stories. I mean look how emotional these Jedi are. Go from crying every 5 seconds to forsake emotions monk like.

[@Thefunwayhome]

Buying today!

[@kylearking8918]

I found this novel to be incredibly slow moving and Dez to be a dull character. However the last half of the novel really picked up and I found myself more invested in the characters near the end with a pretty great pay off. I think it could have been shorter, but in the end it’s another worthy addition to The High Republic Series.

[@RG2088]

Can't wait to read it

[@UraiFen44444444]

Nice Video :)

[@commonsense5199]

Does Reath Silas reminds you of Zayne Carrick?

[@Verdant11686]

We are all the Republic!

[@mr.irrelevent8956]

I just read light of the jedi and loved it. I might get this too.

[@Muddasir11]

Can I read this before A Test of Courage?

[@luans.40]

Yes

[@Nick2703]

I like the characters and interactions but I thought the story went no where. Light.of the Jedi set up a really good story. But this as the second adult release didn't really continue that. The Nihil were barely there. The statues and hyperspace pods and deadly plants all seemed pretty cheese. Didn't grab my interest. Better luck with the next book.

[@jasonmunoz]

Yes Geode was my favorite too!!

[@hater-do4ee]

I'm waiting in U.K........

[@aboyandhisdog2251]

I looked at amazon, have had every book on preorder. Only light of the Jedi has arrived, the rest are ages and ages away. The 2nd book isn't until the 18th. I won't start light until at least the next 2 are out so I can binge the three 🤣

[@thebluepig3737]

Maybe cohmac will become a grey Jedi, possibly the first? I’m not sure if there’s any before him

[@joshuamueller3206]

There are lithoids in Star Wars now?

[@Superawesomegeekshow]

potential spoiler -but I have a question for you .... . . . . . The Nihil is sooo close to Nihilus. Is that a coincidence? if it is just coincidence, why would story group choose a name that is so close to Nihilus? heheh I’m wondering if Marchion Ro secretly knows a little of The Force and eventually will learn more and name himself Darth Nihilus??? -or maybe just Nihilus??

[@RayOfTruth]

Nihil is the Latin root word for nothing. It's seen in words like nihilism and annihilation. I think it's just coincidence pulling from the same root word, considering how different The Nihil as an organization is from Nihilus' philosophy.

[@mikeT1100]

Picking this up later today

[@JoanMarcGalaxysCorner]

Yeah! great video buddies ;)

[@MandoCav]

I couldn't disagree more with this review. Such an dissapointment. Such a boring story and pointless backstory. The Light of the Jedi was awesome and I was hoping for more, but this book just falls flat. And Claudias Lost Stars is my favorite canon book btw.

[@EthanFrowen]

Love ❤️

[@bob-1980]

Bro and yet all these KZbin channels out there are calling this stuff bad like what? How’s it bad?

[@IcePhoenix295]

Well when you don't actually read the books (as many of them admit they haven't) its easy to dismiss them, unfortunately.

[@bob-1980]

@@IcePhoenix295 exactly my point, misinformation and just slander like that should not be excepted on KZbin I don’t care who it is

[@Mollie_Damon]

Have those people read the book or are they just jumping on the bandwagon to bash it just because it's not what they want?

[@joeiorio9654]

I’ve seen too many people complain about Gyasi.

[@marshamoseley5878]

I love Gyasi!

[@mike21_]

Just me or that picture looks like Kevin De Bryune

[@ric3poversace477]

Wait, so he’s a rock man or he’s a rock, like a literal rock?

[@OranjMoose]

A literal rock. And is arguably one of the best new characters

[@painstakeranimations9253]

R o c k

[@RayOfTruth]

He's a spieces that looks like a plane boulder but has intelligence. He's largely used for comedic relief maybe once every few chapters.

[@danieljenkins1758]

To the good and sensible people reading this - you're awesome, you're loved, you can do this, have a great day :)

[@dexx030_3]

This makes order 66 justified... and now I understood why Plapatine wanted the Jedi gone..!

[@danielrhodes7594]

Early history After defeating the Sith on Coruscant, the Jedi Order constructed a temple over their enemy's shrine. Coruscant was the supposed[3] birthplace of the human species, who eventually traveled, explored, and colonized the rest of the galaxy. For thousands of years representatives gathered in the Galactic Senate for diplomacy and dispute resolutions, creating and enforcing laws, and maintaining peace. As such, Coruscant became known as the galactic capital for thousands of years. So, Disney Star Wars is rewriting Star Wars history!!!!!!!! Yoda is not thousands of years old why does Disney have to screw with Star Wars!

[@RayOfTruth]

You do know there are two seperate canons/timelines right? This book is in the new canon timeline, not the Legends/EU timeline. Also it only takes place 200 years before the prequels.

[@danielrhodes7594]

@@RayOfTruth Yes, I know there is a difference between Canon and EU. However, I was not using EU timeline history, but Canon history. I know Disney bought Star Wars, but they are also killing it! The New "High Republic" material is crap. Wow, we have a rock as a character, how stupid is that. The Galactic Senate is thousands of years old. So, having pirates more less controlling or having there way on Coruscant about 200 years ago is lame! So, just to ask. Are you enjoying the new High Republic books?

[@RayOfTruth]

@@danielrhodes7594 the rock is a reoccurring joke that appears maybe once every other chapter. The fact you think Geode is an actual main character proves you never actually read Into The Dark and just listened to clickbait grifters who also never actually read it yell for your easy rage clicks.

[@danielrhodes7594]

@@RayOfTruth I actually have the book, but find it really stupid that Geode is even a character in a book. I have read some of the book (2 or 3 chapters), but find it hard to continue. I did not listen to clickbait grifters. Is Disney so full of idiots that they feel they need to put a character in a book for a reoccurring joke? You never answered my question if you really like the book?

[@RayOfTruth]

@@danielrhodes7594 the book itself is just okay. I liked some parts a bit, but the pacing could have been better during the first half. It's probably Claudia Gray's weakest Star Wars novel, but that speaks more to the quality of the rest of her books than anything.

[@ShadowHumor]

What's that toxic male doing on the cover

[@RayOfTruth]

He's the main character, his masculinity is both healthy and secure.